How do I fix my m1530 Grainy Screen?

It really sounds like we have been talking to the same people Sonicwind. I can tell you now that talking to Customer Care is less than fun. I think the most frequently used word by the Customer Care rep I spoke with was, "Uhh...", followed by long awkward silence.

The Customer Care rep was trying to state that the reason for the same part replacement was because it had something to do with my warranty. When I asked if it can be done as a warranty only item replacement (courtesy of Seeingwhite's post) there was more silence followed by the offer to send me back to Tech Support. Which lead me to just waiting for the new Samsung screen to arrive and see how the replacement goes.

Jetcity has given me reason to believe that there are quality Samsung screens out there. I would just hold tight for the screen swap and take it from there. If you get another grainy Samsung you at least will then have some leverage to try and get one of the LG screens from them. At least, that is my plan .

Thanks for the info ZAM. I am not sure that calling back would do me much good at this point. I think they have a pretty extensive "note" collection going on with me already .

 

Yeah, I did this, too. Then, that night, when the dispatch person went to fill the order, he changed it to Samsung. Based on what I'm hearing now from multiple sources this has become policy with Dell. I am hearing identical reports from different people that makes it sound very much like Dell has issued memos with regard to replacing parts with identical models.

 

Yeah, that is what I expected. The next time I talk to Customer Care will be to arrange the return. I officially give up on this LG swap thing. Also, may I say, XPS support is nothing special. I'm certainly not getting better support than what I got with all those lowly Inspirons I've owned.

I actually think I've got the best quality possible from the Samsung. The light leakage is as small as any I've seen on a notebook (they all have some). I will be using it thoroughly over the weekend. I'm really pissed off about the >1 day service, though. That 3 year warranty is expensive.

 

Wow, there really is some interesting information going around involving these screens. I wonder who at Dell really has all the facts straight? Maybe there is some Architecht guy who sits in a room full of TV's at Dell Tech Support ala The Matrix?

And just like that, my confidence in getting a good Samsung screen disappears. Especially the parts about the guy jacking up the screen bezel. I haven't had my 1530 for very long but I have already come to enjoy using it. Even the way it keeps my left palm nice and warm, it is like we are holding hands, awww.

I would love to give a shot at cracking this open and doing some surgery. I'll have to ask the on site tech when he calls what his policy is on that sort of thing . I can only imagine how bad I am going to be hovering on this guy.

I've got till February 3rd to make up my mind if I want to keep this or not. I have a sinking feeling it will be taking a sad and lonely trip back to Dell if the new screen doesn't work out .

 

Don't know if it makes a difference but I avoided Customer Care and talked exclusively with tech support although it does sound like something is going on inside Dell right now. The line they are feeding SVT sounds like BS to me as I got my part right away (I think a day or two after I ordered it).

 

So you got an LG and it was much better?

 

Well, I ordered mine today, and had not realized there was such an issue with the screens...lame. On my order status next to "15.4 inch Wide Screen WSXGA+ TrueLife for XPS M1530" the item # is 320-6288, is there a way to know if that is one of the bad ones? Or if I called them up could I get an answer before they build it? This could piss me off...

 

On my packing list I had the same item # as well, I just hoped for the best and figured I would let it slide. I would definitely call them up and ask which brand/model #/part # you are getting in your system. If you hear anything about Samsung, SEC3350, or RW985 I would be wary as those have been the screens that some people (including myself) have been having problems with. There are a few good reports about SEC3350s though, so take it for what it is: A relatively small sample on the internet.

I would love to know what they would offer to you as a replacement to the SEC3350 since you have just placed your order and I would think you have the option to change what model screen you actually want them to put in it before it is shipped. My dealings with tech support and customer care left me with the impression that if I wanted a particular brand of screen I would have to specify during the order process to have that screen installed as the current policy from Dell Support seems to be only to replace bad parts (i.e. grainy screens) with the same part.

 

OK, I will call either tonight or tomorrow. My warranty mentioned 24/7 support, so if that's the case then I will call tonight.

 

I'm just speculating, but at this time it doesn't appear as though Dell configured the M1530 with anything but the Samsung. I think this because of the fact that the LG doesn't appear as an option for replacement when you call tech support. In the past this wasn't true, multiple panels would show up on the techs computer as possible replacement. For whatever reason, at this time, I think Samsung is all you'll get.

 

Why sweat it?

Your RICH remember

 

Good point. Would make sense of why we are having such a hard time getting a replacement screen other than the Samsung.

 

If they are getting a lot of Samsungs back would they then re-use those on new orders?

 

There is one other part number (other than the Samsung) for the display according to the tech I spoke with and its part number was something like c691c. Sonic...I did get the LG WSXGA+ display after the tech ordered the part XK309 as I requested. It came a day or two after I ordered it so I doubt it came from Asia as has been previously reported.

 

I don't even know where to begin... The LG monitor is by far and away a better LCD. Night and day difference. BUT -- the tech that came to install it could NOT get the computer back together again. All kinds of things were broken. He had to reorder the keyboard, the piece above the keyboard, and the left side cover piece. The touch panel media buttons do not work or light up.

And on top of all that -- the LCD has a gouge in the screen that is even puting pressure on the LCD pixels.

The only thing left for me to do is have them send me a new laptop I guess.

 

Here is the #1 reason NOT to let an idiot come to your home/business and tear apart/break your new laptop.
If you are within the timeframe to return it for another computer than I would most certainly do so.

 

I'd be seeing red, Seeingwhite. I think we are all being too superficial. Underneath that dull, grainy surface, I'm sure the Samsungs are beautiful bright panels. You just have to get to know them.

 

I have set up my 2 XPS M1530s side by side. The original one has the LG WXGA panel LPL0301 (Dell P/N NU763). This one has to go back to Dell after the tech replaced the motherboard and killed my media buttons (and didn't fix the original problem anyway).

The replacement has the WXGA Samsung panel but I can't determine the exact model (Dell P/N RP636).

For comparison I have both cranked up to maximum brightness and the LG is quite clearly brighter. That being said, the colour looks a bit washed out next to the Samsung. My partner actually prefers the Samsung as "the colours are deeper".

I'll try turning the brightness down on the LG a tad to see if it makes any difference. Text wise I can't say it's really any grainier unless I'm missing what "grainy" means. I've also seen "sparkle" mentioned but what it means is lost to me.

I'm reluctant to have a tech pull the replacement apart if I can avoid it but should I ask them to swap the 2 screens around anyway? I have to return the other mid next week so I need to decide soon. I'd appreciate any input from those who have also had the LG screen as well as the Samsung, I think I'm just being too critical after reading up on the forums.

 

"Dude, your getting (another) Dell!"

I swear, we have to be the minority here. More and more returning and reordering looks like the best option.

Is this a standard business model to take returns over replacements? As it seems much easier to drop it in a box and send it on it's way than to keep dealing with this.

 

Agent (XPSOTT Albert_98275): "OK yes I see that a dispatch has been created for a replacement."
01/18/2008 03:42:33PM Geoff Pisarkiewicz: "has it already shipped?"
01/18/2008 03:43:28PM Geoff Pisarkiewicz: "i have been doing some research through online forums and have found that other people have had the same problem"
01/18/2008 03:43:37PM Geoff Pisarkiewicz: "does dell acknowledge this rpoblem"
01/18/2008 03:43:50PM Geoff Pisarkiewicz: "why r they shipping out grainy looking screens on top of the line laptops"
01/18/2008 03:44:03PM Agent (XPSOTT Albert_98275): "Looks like its setup and on order currently - DPS is 099143834"
01/18/2008 03:46:09PM Agent (XPSOTT Albert_98275): "I service the systems unfortunately I don't really have any special insight as to what manufacturing is doing."
01/18/2008 03:46:37PM Agent (XPSOTT Albert_98275): "Do you feel that a replacement LCD is going to fix your issue?"
01/18/2008 03:46:57PM Geoff Pisarkiewicz: "not if it's the same model"
01/18/2008 03:47:21PM Geoff Pisarkiewicz: "could u possible give me more information"
01/18/2008 03:47:26PM Geoff Pisarkiewicz: "possibly a model number"
01/18/2008 03:47:47PM Geoff Pisarkiewicz: "i know that i have the grainy one made by samsung, supposively the good one is made by lg"
01/18/2008 03:49:53PM Agent (XPSOTT Albert_98275): "Ill look into whats been ordered for you."
01/18/2008 03:50:26PM Agent (XPSOTT Albert_98275): "They are sending LCD, 15.4WSXGA+, VIDEO ELEC. STDS. ASSOC., TLF, LGP"
01/18/2008 03:50:32PM Agent (XPSOTT Albert_98275): "Which is the LG."
01/18/2008 03:52:47PM Geoff Pisarkiewicz: "phew.."

Now I am worried about my laptop being destroyed in the process of trying to replace the screen. Should I be? Has anyone had a perfectly successful screen replacement put in. Or should I just return it and pray for an LG screen in the laptop. Any input would be appreciated

 

I've got an LG WSXGA screen and it's very good. But I had a problem with the laptop not sitting flat on my desk, so Dell sent me a replacement which just arrived today. I haven't even unboxed it yet, but the service tag is on the box so I ran it on Dell's website. The configuration shows the LCD panel to be "CPT" which I understand to be Chunghwa Picture Tube Company. I never heard of the company and I don't know how good these panels are. But the replacement is going back anyway. The hard drive is shown as a 250 GB 5400 rpm. My original drive is the 200 GB 7200 rpm. While I was waiting for the replacement, I fixed the uneven base problem so I'll probably just keep the original system. It seems that ordering a system is a lottery and you never know who will manufacture the components. (The original system has a Teac DVD burner and the replacement has a Panasonic DVD burner.)

 

I don't know what's going on with the techs messing up laptops. I had my 1705 completely rebuilt, pretty much, in 3 different trips. It was different guys. The bottom case was replace, the motherboard and the panel. They did a great job, no problems and didn't tear up anything. I also had a tech replace the screen on a 9200, for the exact same reason as we are for the M1530, no problems there either. I changed one myself, too. It was a pain. But quite do-able. On that model I thought I was going to break the cover because it just snaps on, and it was on tight. So all in all, I've felt comfortable with the techs.

@devildog (fido666), This is similar to what we were seeing with the Inspiron 9200, the Samsung was grainy but had better color. The LG had less sparkle/grain (still had some, though) but had washed out colors. I don't recall there being a significant brightness difference. We generally found that adjusting the gamma a little bit improved the color on the LG.

 

How much better was the LG screen? And which one would you prefer

 

You might as well try the CPT LCD Equipped M1530,if you like the new display you can always just swap out the Hard Drives and reformat/install the data.If you don't like the CPT Display then just box her up.

 

Hi.
I live in New Zealand and have just received my m1530. The laptop is shipped from Malaysia. I ordered the 1680 x 1050 display. How do I know if I have received the LG or Samsung display?
The Dell code reads

XR860

Where can I find the actual manafacturers part number?

Are all m1530 shipped from Asia LG displays?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers,
Hewi

 

Go to control panel, hardware and sound, device manager, and you should be able to figure it out from there.

 

Thanks for reply. I tried that but no joy.

 

once ur in device manager go to monitors, genereic Pnp monitor, details, property = device instance path. from what it give u, u should be able to tell what kind u have

 

The LG was better in terms of that grain/sheen/sparkle and I preferred that.

I saw somewhere that the M1530 will be offered with an LED screen in Feb. I'll be going for that one. Whether I will keep this one and sell it, or return it, I have not yet decided.

 

If that is the case, I am sending mine back if/when I lock down something firm before my return deadline is up. I have heard rumors of this too on other forums but can't seem to lock down anything official. I was on the phone with tech support again tonight to replace my scalding hot power supply (don't even ask...) and I asked if they knew anything about LED displays and plans to roll them out for the 1530s. Sadly no confirmation or inside news was available.

 

Yeah, I just read that somewhere on this forum. Completely unconfirmed. I could just keep myself in M1530s, continuously ordering one and returning them until it comes out. People have been complaining about the grain on the TrueBlight screens since they came out, and 3 years later they are still using the same process on them. I would feel no guilt in doing this.

 

This is what comes up in 'Device Instance Path'


DISPLAY\SEC3350\5&207E0375&0&UID280

Can you tell by this?

Cheers

 

SEC3350 = Samsung

 

DISPLAY\ SEC3350\5&207E0375&0&UID280

Would be Samsung.

 

Just wanted to repost Seeingwhite's original post with all the part numbers, model's etc, for any of those who hop onto the end of this thread and miss all the good stuff at the begining.

 

I just placed an order for the m1530. For screen the only product info I saw were DHHRCAM and 320-6078. Hmm does that mean anything, or am I looking at the wrong info? Can't find any SEC--- or LPL--- code thing anywhere. God I hope it's an LG, from what everyone is saying.

 

I think it's a combination of :-

A. The M1530 is a relatively new model (at least her in Oz it is) and not many techs have worked on them.

B. The innards are so tightly packed it makes them hard to work in compared to some other Dells (i.e. Lattitudes).

The Tech who came out to swap the motherboard in mine had worked on only one before I think. I thought I was going to have to show him the online service manual LOL. He put it back together OK but after he left I discovered my media buttons no longer work . That on top of the refurb board fitted to a week old laptop made me ask for a replacement.

I'll try taking a pic to show you just how glaring (pardon the pun) the difference is. I have both cranked up to max brightness. I can always tone the LG down, I can't bring the Samsung up any further.

May I be a complete noob and ask where the gamma controls live? In nVidia Control Panel I suppose?

 

Have something colorful in the background that you think should be improved.

Yeah, in the nVidia Control Panel, find Color Settings. In there, there should be a Gamma adjuster.

Generally adjust until you see a difference that you like, and then move it back about half way to where you started, because the point at which you really notice it, is probably too much. A subtle change is usually the improvement you will be happy with in the long run.

 

If I want to return my display what is the best way to go around it? Do I contact Customer Service or Technical Service? Do I just tell them that the quality of the display is poor?
I want to go for the LED display that is suppose to be coming out in Feb 08. I have only had the Laptop for a couple of days so is well within the 'return period'.

Cheers,
Hewi

 

Yeah, I assume you mean you want to return the whole notebook. You have to call them. Tell them the display is bad. They'll send or email you a shipping label, slap it on the original box and ship it back. Takes about 2 weeks to get your money back.

 

Will the M1530 displays be made by 2 different companies? Are the M1330 LED displays made by different companies? I don't want to order the M1530 LED and get a crappy version. I would rather specifically ask for the LG (or whatever brand is best)

Cheers,
Hewi

 

Found it thanks, it's under Desktop Color Settings. I tried cranking up just the brightness on the Samsung panel but had to up it to about 85% to get even close to the LG at 50%, that's how big a difference it is.

 

I haven't heard of any problems with the LED displays, it's the CCFL displays we are all talking about here. You can't actually specify the brand of display when you order, you get what they have at the time.

 

Weather you have a Samsung or LG, try increasing the contrast in the nVidia control panel.

 

That 320-6078 is just a general number they use to tell them what type of monitor you ordered, such as resolution, glossy or flat screen, etc. You cannot select or change the actual Dell LCD part numberwhen ordering. Its basically a waiting game until it's delivered.

 

Any particular reason? Will this fix grain or brightness issues?

Slightly OT but what is the best way to check backlight bleed? The LG display on mine seems to have a patch at the bottom and right of the screen, it may just be the viewing angle though.

 

Are you saying they don't need to remove the lid from the laptop to replace the LCD? When the tech came to swap my motherboard he pulled the entire laptop apart, I thought the screen would be the same?

 

Is the LG screen amazing? Or is it just slightly better than the Samsung one?

I am wondering if it might be worth waiting for the LED screen.
Cause I have the Samsung one and it sucks..

 

No, adjusting the contrast will not really affect the grain. It may help the display to appear less "washed-out". Play around with the settings and see what you like.

Go into your screen saver options and select "blank screen" for you screen saver. Then hit preview and look for the blacklight bleed. A little bit is "normal", but I wouldn't settle for a lot of bleeding.

 

Amazing....hmmm -- I don't know if I would say amazing. BUT, compared to the Samsung I would say its amazing.

The LG is a very good screen, though. I am very disappointed that I will lose it when my replacement 1530 comes.